Renaissance Lady

1

As I tightly held my mother's hand, I felt lost as we walked into the king's chambers. My dark eyes darted back and forth, worried about what was going to happen. Why was my mother here? And why did she bring me along? Aunt Mary had promised me that I could hold her little daughter, Katherine, also known as Katie to our family.

"The love of my life!" King Henry called out as he greeted my mother with affection. I watched the scene with wide eyes, longing to be back at Hever with Grandmother Elizabeth, who helped me with my schoolwork and sewing.

"My love, I want you to meet my daughter, Lady Margaret Rose Butler," my mother said, and I quickly paid my respects to the king. He looked quite scary to me, tall and quiet. For all three years of my life, I wanted to run away from that room and hide in my bedchamber. But before I could even think of bolting, the king spoke.

"Ah, you must be your mother's own twin, for all I can see is your mother in you," said King Henry. I found myself unable to speak, scared of what to say next. But I forced myself to say something, anything so that my mother could be proud of me.

"You think so, sire?" I asked timidly, looking up at the king with my big dark eyes. I twisted the skirt of my dress, and the king nodded.

"It shall please me very much if you allow me to court your dear mother," asked the king, waiting for my reply. As my mother watched the scene, looking happier than she had since my papa had passed—but that was before I was even born—I wanted my mother to be happy. So, with a deep breath, I spoke.

"If you can promise to make my mother the happiest, I'll allow it," I asked, and the king grinned at me as he promised.

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"Mama," I said softly as I walked into her chambers, with my nurse following behind me. My dark curly hair was braided neatly, as my nurse had done it that morning.

"My sweet Meg, come here, my beloved girl," cooed Mama, as I ran towards her with open arms. I smiled widely as she hugged me warmly, and rocked us back and forth.

"Is King Henry going to visit?" I asked softly. Mama laughed slightly at my question before she spoke. Then my grandfather entered the chambers, and he looked around for a minute before turning to Mama and me.

"Anne, the king has requested that you and Meg attend supper in his chambers tonight with the queen," informed Grandfather Thomas. I frowned slightly at the look on his face, which seemed stressed, but I kept quiet.

"Shall the princess be there as well?" Mama asked, but Grandfather shook his head no.